Ti voglio bene
family, everyday
To a family member Italians say Ti voglio bene, literally "I wish you well". It is the normal way to say "I love you" to parents, children, siblings and cousins. It is also called Ti voglio tanto bene and Ti adoro.
Meaning: affection toward relatives (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Ti voglio bene | family, everyday |
| Ti voglio tanto bene | family, warm |
| Ti adoro | family, warm |
Ti voglio tanto bene is warmer and means "I love you very much". Ti adoro means "I adore you" and is common with siblings and grandchildren.
Which one should you use?
Ti amo exists, but it is mostly romantic. Using Ti voglio bene with relatives is the natural choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase stays the same for any relative. You add the person for warmth, as in Ti voglio bene, nonna.
Did you know?
- The phrase voler bene does not translate word for word, since it literally means "to want well" for someone.
Examples in context
- Ti voglio bene, papà.I love you, dad.
- Ti voglio tanto bene, sorellina.I love you so much, little sister.
- Ti adoro, nonna.I adore you, grandma.
Example conversation
Anna says goodbye to her grandmother Rosa after Sunday lunch.
- AnnaCiao nonna, ti voglio bene.Bye grandma, I love you.
- RosaAnch'io, tesoro.Me too, dear.
- AnnaCi vediamo domenica.See you on Sunday.
